Faculty members Dr. John Reams and Dr. Dana King were recognized for outstanding dedication and achievement during Shorter University’s recent Awards Day.

“Dr. Reams and Dr. King are wonderful examples of Shorter University’s committed faculty members who are dedicated to our mission of Transforming Lives through Christ,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “They are servant-leaders who work and serve here in order to provide our students with a high-quality education and to help their students grow into the individuals God has prepared them to be. We are proud to recognize both of them for their outstanding work to promote student success.”

Dr. Reams, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts and associate professor of woodwinds, received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. The $1,500 cash award recognizes the contributions and achievements of a senior professor.

Dr. Reams is principal clarinetist of the Rome Symphony Orchestra and stays active as a recitalist throughout the southeast. Prior to joining the faculty at Shorter University, Dr. Reams was a visiting assistant professor of woodwinds at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. As a clarinetist, he has held positions with the Savannah Philharmonic and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Other orchestral positions include the Midland-Odessa Symphony (TX), Abilene Philharmonic, Peoria Symphony (IL), Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Ohio Light Opera Orchestra, and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a professor and leader of Dr. Reams’ caliber at Shorter University,” said Shorter University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Donald Martin. “His experience in academia and beyond has well prepared him as a successful mentor of students and an effective leader among our faculty. Moreover, his commitment to excellence in both scholarship and artistic performance has helped to position our School of Fine and Performing Arts as one of the foremost Christian college programs in the region. Through his strong spiritual values, vision, and leadership we fully expect our School of Fine and Performing Arts to grow and flourish.”

Dr. Reams received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Music in Woodwind Performance at Florida State University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois. He has been a featured soloist throughout the United States and Canada. He has recorded for labels including Centaur and Albany Records.

Dr. King, assistant professor of education in Shorter’s School of Education, was presented with the 2017 Vulcan Materials Award for Teaching Excellence and Academic Leadership. The $1,000 cash award is given to a junior faculty member who displays strong campus leadership, creative course development, pioneering teaching methodology and instruction support along with model classroom teaching. The professor must also be helpful in advising students and illustrate a willingness to spend individual time with students in order to assist them academically.

Prior to joining Shorter’s education faculty, she served as assistant principal at Armuchee Elementary and Glenwood Primary schools, as 1^st-5^th grade gifted resource at Cave Spring Elementary, and as a middle school teacher at Model Middle, Adairsville Middle and Excel Christian Academy. She is a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. She is an active member of Snow Springs Baptist Church in Adairsville.

“Dr. Dana King has been exceptional as a professor in Shorter’s School of Education,” Dr. Martin said. “She has a passion for motivating students to grow academically, professionally, and spiritually. Not only does she invest her life into the lives and future of our students, but she is deeply committed to the mission of Shorter University. Through the efforts of Dr. King and her colleagues in the Education Program, we look forward to seeing our School of Education become one of the premier programs among faith-based institutions in the country.”

Dr. King earned the Bachelor of Education degree in middle grades education from Shorter College, the Master of Education in interrelated special education from Kennesaw State University, an Educational Leadership Certificate Add-On from Jacksonville State University, the Education Specialist degree in teaching and learning from Liberty University, and the Doctor of Education degree in teaching and learning from Liberty University.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

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